April 15, 2009 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 3 Midland Park Four run for two seats in Republican primary Two incumbent Midland Park councilmen are being challenged in the June Republican Primary for the two available borough council seats. Former Councilman Mark Braunius and newcomer Matt O’Toole filed last week along with Councilmen Bernard Holst and Scott Pruiksma. The election is set for June 2. No Democrats filed by the April 6 deadline. In the past, however, Democrat candidate spots have often been filled through write-in votes at the polls on Primary Day. Only seven Democrat votes are needed to get on the ballot for the general election, according to Borough Clerk Addie Hanna. Holst is seeking his fifth term on the council, where he has served as liaison to the Department of Public Works for many years. The current president and 35-year member of the Midland Park Lions Club, he is president of Horizon Termite and Pest Control, a local company he founded in 1970. He is the treasurer and past president of the New Jersey Pest Management Association. He and his wife, Joyce, have three children and five grandchildren. Holst said he is running for reelection to make sure the council continues in the direction is has been going over the past few years. “We are in difficult times, yet we are in a wonderful position as a town right now. This is not the time to change direction; not the time to turn your head, but rather to pay attention,” Holst said. Pruiksma has served on the council for seven years, originally being appointed to serve an unexpired term. He is the liaison to the Recreation Committee, and previously served as liaison to the police department. He is a life member of the Midland Park Fire Department, president of Interlockingarms LLC, a community building organization, and vice president of the Oakland Chapter of Fellowship of Christian Firefighters International. He has three middle-school age children. He is a member of the Hawthorne Gospel Church. “I enjoy serving on the council;” said Pruiskma of his decision to seek reelection. “Midland Park is a very unique town. It has been run very efficiently, not only during my tenure but also by the previous mayor and councils. I am a proponent of pay-as-you-go and feel that this needs to be continued in order for us to weather the storms that are affecting each and every one of us,” he added. Braunius, who served on the council for 12 years before losing re-election in 2006, is a self-employed building contractor. A lifelong resident, he was liaison to the Police Committee while on the council. He also served on the borough planning board for 17 years. He and his wife, Cindy, have six children and six grandchildren. Braunius said he wants to get back on the council to use his experience to create a better Midland Park and to keep a tighter watch on the town’s finances. (continued on page 21) Like the idea and philosophy behind acupuncture but are scared of needles? Why not try Tuina Massage. Let us Gift Certificates help you relax, replenish, and rejuvenate. Available Come on in and get your 20% off with this coupon! WELLNESS CENTER ������������������������������������������������������ ������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������������������ A Neighborhood Massage Therapy The Black & Decker Electric Mower Starts With The Flick Of A Switch Easy to Operate 18” Mulching Mower With Flip-Over Handle It Never Runs Out of Gas And Doesn’t Pollute! Other Models To Choose From 339 Godwin Avenue, Midland Park • 201-652-7110 - Hours by appointment Philip M. Schwartz, D.M.D., Administrator • Marcia Popjes-Egedy, D.M.D. Propane Available 7 Days A Week Mon-Wed 7:30-6, Thurs & Fri 7:30-8 Sat 8-5 27 FRANKLIN TPKE, WALDWICK www.homehardwaresupply.com 201-652-5666 OPEN SUNDAY 9-3 4-15-09 ester/janine • GodwinDental4x9.5(4-15-09) • 4 x 9.5